Nine people, one sailboat, pure calm.

This full-day Ibiza boat trip to Formentera keeps you away from crowds and puts you in the middle of the island’s best water, with stops at Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle time.

What I love most is the small group of nine (capped at 12). You get a more personal vibe and the crew can actually pay attention instead of herding people. I also love that the essentials are handled onboard: snorkel gear, SUP, snacks, and drinks are included.

One drawback to plan for: time on open water, and the entry spots can have rocks. If you’re prone to slips or sore feet, bring or buy water shoes.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group sailing to Formentera instead of the big-tour rush from Ibiza
• Two prime swim stops with anchor time at Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador
• Snorkel gear and SUP boards included so you can go right into the water
• Snacks and drinks onboard, including salty bites in the morning and a fruit platter later
• Relaxed pace with crew-led comfort, not a speedrun around the coast

Why This Ibiza-Formentera Boat Trip Feels Like a Real Getaway

Ibiza is famous for loud nights, but this is the flip side of the island. Instead of fighting for space on a beach, you’re out on a sailboat in a small group, spending your day where the water does the talking. You cruise between coves, then drop anchor for time in the sea, which is honestly the best way to see Formentera’s coastline without turning it into an agenda.

The small group matters more than you’d think. With around nine passengers, you move through the day like people who were invited, not people who are assigned. I like that the crew style tends to be attentive and safety-minded, and that shows in how people describe the captains as caring and present.

The trip also feels practical. You get the key gear on board, plus food and drinks, so you are not budgeting a mini picnic hunt every time you want to relax. And because you’re sailing away from the main tourist churn, your time feels less crowded and more like a private day that just happens to be shared.

Meeting at Es Xarcu, Start Time 11:00 am, and How to Plan Your Day

Your day begins at Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa) in Cala Es Xarco. The activity starts at 11:00 am, and it returns you to that same meeting point. That round-trip convenience is a big deal in Ibiza, because getting across town and back can eat half your energy if you are not organized.

Because the tour is about seven and a half hours (approx.), you’re choosing a proper chunk of your day, not a quick half-day splash. I recommend treating it like a full sun-and-sea window: you’ll be happiest if you arrive with breakfast handled, water and sun protection ready, and a relaxed mindset.

Also note the timing format. You’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking (subject to availability), and you get a mobile ticket. If you are the kind of person who hates surprises, aim to finalize your plan a day ahead: make sure you know the exact meeting point and that your phone battery is not a gamble.

Ses Illetes: Formentera’s Signature Beach Stop for Snorkeling and SUP

The first anchor stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, and you’ll have about 2 hours there. This is the kind of beach name you hear again and again because it delivers: bright water, classic beach views, and a very inviting feeling once you’re actually floating out there.

What makes this stop work for you is the mix of activities. You can keep it easy and simply swim, but the included snorkeling gear gives you an option to look around underwater. If you want to feel more like you’re exploring, this is also where paddle time shines, since you can use the SUP board (paddleboard) while the water is calm enough for a leisurely glide.

A small practical heads-up from real-world experience: some entry areas can be rocky. If the goal is snorkeling and time in the sea, you want to think about footing first. Water shoes are a simple fix, and they also save you from that moment where you’re trying to remember if your feet can handle a quick step onto uneven ground.

Another smart move: you don’t need to stay glued to one spot. With snorkeling, you’ll naturally look around a bit. And on a SUP, you can move along the shoreline slowly, which often gives you better views than staring from the beach.

S’Espalmador: White Sand Water Where You Can Slow Down Again

After Ses Illetes, the trip heads to S’Espalmador for another about 2 hours. This stop is often described with the kind of language you normally only hear from people posting water photos. The real value here, though, is that you get a second chance to swim and snorkel, not just one.

S’Espalmador’s appeal is the combination of white sand and clear water, which makes both swimming and spotting what’s happening underwater easier. And because you’ve already had one water session on the first stop, this second one usually feels smoother. You know what to expect, so you can spend more time enjoying and less time figuring out how the day will flow.

You’ll also get a fruit platter later in the afternoon, but at this stop you’ll have time in between to reset. This is where I like the pacing on this trip. Two separate anchor stops means you’re not stuck in one location all day, yet you’re not constantly moving either.

If you’re traveling with someone who loves different things, this stop helps. One person might go for snorkeling while you paddle. Or you might just do a slow swim, then climb back on board to cool down in the shade and watch the coastline slide by.

Onboard Life: Snacks, Drinks, Gear, and the Crew That Makes It Run

This is not a bare-bones cruise. The onboard setup is part of the value. You get snorkeling equipment, a SUP board, and basic onboard refreshments: soda/pop plus snacks in the morning and a fruit platter in the afternoon.

I like this because it changes your day from spending time managing logistics to spending time actually being out there. If you’ve ever done a day trip where you bring food and then spend the whole time worrying about what you’re eating and where, you’ll appreciate this. The snacks are there so you can refuel without treating lunch like a mission.

Fuel and captain are included too, which is important when you’re comparing options. With a full-day water experience, pricing can get confusing fast once you factor in transportation, gear, and access. Here, the core pieces are packaged so you can focus on the sea.

Crew names pop up across experiences, which is a good sign that the operators emphasize service and safety. People describe captains like Paul, Miki, Fernando, and Sylvia as friendly, attentive, and engaged. That kind of on-the-water presence matters, especially when you’re boarding and entering the sea around rocks.

One balanced note. While most experiences highlight cleanliness, care, and smooth operations, I do see that occasionally someone has complained about mess onboard and attention during boarding. If you’re very sensitive to those details, I’d suggest you pay close attention early in the trip, and if anything feels off, address it immediately with the crew. That’s the fastest way to steer a day back to comfortable.

What to Bring for Comfort (Not Just for Photos)

You can absolutely have a great day with light packing. The tour specifically suggests bringing towels, plus sunglasses and sunscreen. I’d also add one extra item based on the most common real-world pain point: water shoes.

Think about the entire day: morning sun, salty air, snorkel gear, then climbing back on board. If your feet are protected, you’ll spend more time enjoying the water and less time worrying about where to step.

Also consider your personal swim style. If you plan to snorkel, you’ll want something simple you can rinse off or change into later. You might find that having a dry shirt or small wrap helps your comfort once you’re back onboard after swimming.

Finally, plan for the rules of comfort. This trip is not recommended for travelers more than five months pregnant and it’s not recommended for those weighing more than 130 kg. Most other travelers can participate, but these limits are worth taking seriously so everyone stays safe and comfortable.

Price and Value: What You’re Actually Paying For

At $174.43 per person, this is not a budget ferry day. The real question is value: are you buying convenience, gear, and time on the water, or are you just paying for a boat ride?

Here’s what’s included that reduces your extra costs:

• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP board
• Soda/pop
• Snacks in the morning and a fruit platter later
• Fuel and the captain

When you put it together, you’re paying for the full package, not just transportation. And because the itinerary includes two anchor stops with real time to swim and snorkel, you’re not stuck doing a drive-by photo stop. For many people, that combination is the sweet spot: you get Formentera’s best water time without having to rent gear or figure out timing.

There’s also the small-group factor. Crammed boats can turn snorkeling into a scramble and SUP into a waiting line. A smaller group makes the experience feel calmer, and calm is part of why people come to Formentera in the first place.

One more value tip: this trip is often booked about 15 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling during a popular week, book earlier so you’re not hunting for the right day at the last moment.

Who This Trip Suits Best, and Who Might Skip It

This boat trip is a great match if you want:

• A relaxed day on the water with two serious swim opportunities
• Snorkeling and SUP time without extra rental hassle
• A small-group sailing feel that avoids the biggest crowds

It also tends to work well for couples and small friend groups, because sharing space on a small boat makes the day feel more connected. If you’re the type who likes to lounge, the onboard break between stops is part of the fun.

If you get motion-sensitive, keep in mind that you are spending the day sailing and moving around the water. The itinerary doesn’t promise a fully still day, so if rougher seas usually bother you, you might want to think about whether you’ll enjoy being on the water for hours.

And if you fall into the pregnancy or weight limit categories, this may not be the right fit.

Should You Book This Ibiza Boat Trip to Formentera?

If your top goal is water time, this trip is easy to recommend. Two anchor stops at Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador, plus snorkel gear and SUP, means you get multiple ways to enjoy Formentera’s coastline. Add the snack-and-drink setup, and it’s one of those days where you just show up and live in the moment.

I’d especially book it if you care about avoiding crowds. A mini sailing cruise with a small group changes your experience, even if the destination is the same one everyone talks about.

The choice comes down to your comfort with sun and the sea. If you’re ready for a full day outdoors, and you’ll bring towels, sunscreen, and ideally water shoes, you’re set up for a great day.

If you’re on the fence, check your schedule and pick a day when you can actually relax before and after. This kind of tour rewards a slower rhythm.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza boat trip to Formentera?

The trip lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where do you stop in Formentera?

You’ll make two main stops: Playa de Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador. Each stop is about 2 hours.

What’s included onboard?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a SUP board, soda/pop, morning salty snacks, and an afternoon fruit platter. It also includes fuel and a captain.

What time does the tour start, and where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at 11:00 am. You meet at Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa), Cala Es Xarco, Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear or paddleboard?

No. Snorkeling equipment and the SUP board are included.

What should I bring for the day?

The tour suggests bringing towels, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to think about water shoes if you want easier footing when getting in and out.

What’s the group size?

This experience has a maximum of 12 travelers. It’s described as a small-group cruise, including a typical small group size of nine passengers.

Is it suitable for everyone?

It states that most travelers can participate, but it is not recommended for travelers more than five months pregnant and not recommended if you weigh more than 130 kg.

What if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

When can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time. If you cancel later than that, the amount is not refunded.